The Northern Province of Lamphun, Suicide Capitol of Thailand

The Province of Lamphun had the highest number, at 20 suicides per 100,000 population

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BANGKOK – Acknowledging World Suicide Prevention Day, Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said about 3,900 Thai people commit suicide annually, or one suicide every two hours.

Public health authorities say, one Thai dies in a suicide attempt every two hours with a growing number stating their intention to kill themselves online.

The suicide rate in Thailand stood at 6.08 per 100,000 people last year and was declining. The global rate was 11.69 per 100,000. Worldwide, about 800,000 people commit suicide every year.

In Thailand the number of male suicides was three times higher than for females. People in the 35-39 age group were recorded as having the highest suicide rate. The rate was highest in the North: 10 per 100,000. By province, the highest rate of 20 per 100,000 was recorded in Lamphun in the North and the figure was rising.

Prof Emeritus Dr Piyasakol said those with depression formed the highest risk group, and they included people with chronic diseases, the elderly, pregnant women, new mothers, those addicted to liquor and narcotics and people facing crises or great losses.